Metal Solutions for the Rail Transportation Industry
Metalex’s merge with Morton Manufacturing Company allowed us to utilize over 115 years of experience in manufacturing rail products to superior quality standards. These products include brake steps, end platforms and running boards — all of which are designed for longevity.
Use our interactive infographic below by clicking on the circles to see how our metal products are used in different types of locomotives.
Railroad Applications
Railcars
Railcars are the workhorse of the railroad fleet. Maintaining a safe route of access for operators and engineers is the first step in ensuring safety on our railways.
Deck Span® safety grating is a popular choice for railcar safety platforms, as it features a unique diamond-pattern design that offers 360° slip resistance.
Open-Grip® safety grating is also well suited for these applications, particularly for use with steps; the debossed holes allow for efficient flow of air, heat, and light.
Tank Cars
In 2015, both the United Sates Department of Transportation and Transport Canada strengthened regulations for tank cars hauling oil, ethanol, and other highly flammable liquids. Now calling for much sturdier rail cars, these updated standards have affected more than 150,000 tank cars.
In response to these strict new regulations, Metalex designed embossed retrofit straps. These straps wrap around the circumference of out-of-regulation tank cars, creating a gap space to be used for insulation and thermal protection, which is required by the new standards. Also, Deck Span® safety grating is frequently used on tank car safety platforms, and Tread-Grip® is often used on tank car ladder rungs due to its long service life and high-adhesive friction.
Intermodal
Requiring superior strength and longevity, intermodal freight are often outfitted with Open-Grip® safety grating platforms. Featuring excellent slip resistance in all directions, Open-Grip® is able to maintain this resistance even with heavy wear.
Automobile Carriers
Metalex’s newest addition to the Morton Rail Product line is our Autorack side sheets, vandal plates and logo panel. Our Autorack products protect new vehicles during transportation across our nation’s railways.
Covered/Open-Top Hoppers
Open-Grip® is the preferred product for covered and open-top hoppers. The debossed design allows debris from the loading process to pass through the walkway avoiding obstruction and maintaining slip resistance.
Over a Century of Safety
Metalex’s line of Morton Rail Products pays homage to our predecessor, Morton Manufacturing, founded in 1903. We are proud to carry the banner and continue the tradition of a historic American manufacturer. Morton was awarded its first patent for rail freight transport safety grating in 1917, 100 years later our product offerings and engineering capabilities continue to grow.
Open-Grip® safety grating — one of Morton’s most popular products, which Metalex is proud to manufacture today — has had a significant impact on the rail industry; the Association of American Railroads (AAR) approved this grating for use in virtually all rail transport applications, allowing for optimal worker safety and process reliability. Because Open-Grip®’s pattern can be interrupted, we’re able to produce them with “wiped” ends, thereby improving strength, safety, and ease of installation, as well as eliminating the need to mechanically fasten supports at the ends.
To learn more about Open-Grip® safety grating and other safety grating products for the rail transport industry, download our free Rail Products Brochure today.